Jeannine Cantil

Obituary for Jeannine Marie Cantil (Geraghty)
September 30, 1962 – November 4, 2025
Jeannine Marie Cantil (Geraghty), age 63, of Fairbanks, Alaska, passed away quickly and peacefully at her home. While her passing was unexpected, her family takes comfort in knowing she was surrounded by the quiet she loved - and that she is now with her beloved daughter Jennifer in heaven, where her heart has longed to be.
Jeannine was born on September 30, 1962, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Judy and Richard Geraghty. Named after a dear family friend, Jeannine Gray, she is one of five children - Bruce, Barb, Richard, Jeannine, and Judy "Doodle". She spent her early years at the family's gold mine in Livengood and their cabin at Harding Lake, where she developed a love for Alaska's wild beauty and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys.
A graduate of Monroe High School's Class of 1980, Jeannine continued her studies at a junior college in Vancouver, Washington, where she lived with her Aunt Monte. In 1982, she married Michael Bratten, and together they had four children: Richard, Jennifer, Jocelyn, and Jamie.
In October 1999, Jeannine met the love of her life, Skip Cantil, at Gordo's Restaurant in Fairbanks. They were married on May 4, 2005, and shared a life filled with laughter, backyard bonfires, and a deep love for the outdoors. Whether fishing, camping, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of Alaska, they found joy in being together. Jeannine took pride in making every camp comfortable and welcoming, creating a peaceful home in the heart of nature for her and Skip to return to after fishing.
Jeannine was a steadfast and loving partner. In 2004, when Skip was diagnosed with leukemia, she was his rock - caring for him tirelessly and keeping their home safe and clean to help him through treatment until he received his clean bill of health in 2007. In 2017, she faced her own challenge with stage four breast cancer. Skip and their Malamute, Totat, provided her with unwavering love and support throughout the fight. Her courage, perseverance, and faith in Jesus guided her through a long and difficult journey, and she joyfully celebrated her recovery in May 2019.
Known affectionately as "Grandma Nean" to her six grandchildren, Jeannine's home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and endless treats - especially Kinder Eggs. Sleepovers at Grandma Nean's meant late-night movies, cozy blankets, and memories filled with love and joy.
Jeannine had a tender, creative spirit and found beauty in life's small wonders. She loved gardening, collecting raven feathers, crafting, and caring for the ducklings that visited her yard each summer. Her love for frogs was evident in the figurines and stuffed animals that filled her home. Proud of her heritage, she was deeply connected to both her American Indian roots as part of the Gros Ventre Tribe and her Irish ancestry. Her faith in Jesus was a constant source of comfort and strength throughout her life.
Though quiet and introverted, Jeannine had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved. Her presence brought warmth and kindness; her heart was generous, and her spirit was always sincere.
Jeannine is lovingly remembered by her husband, Skip Cantil; her children Richard Bratten (partner Christel), Rena Cantil (partner Jesse), Jocelyn (George) Garner, and Jamie (Stewart) Garth; her grandchildren Adam Aikens Jr., Jaela Aikens, George Pearson Garner IV, Julia Garner, Addy Caviness, and Thomas Garth; her mother, Judy Geraghty; siblings Barb (Larry) Gahr, Bruce Geraghty, and Richard (Gwyn) Geraghty; her nieces and nephews Shawn (Jacqueline) Gahr, Catharine Geraghty (partner Josh), Allison (Jon) Osterhout, Megan (Travis) Drake, Mallory (Doug) Campbell, and Coleen (Jeff) Lautrup; her mother-in-law, Mary Cantil; and brothers-in-law Corky Cantil, Joe (Husch) Cantil, and Larry (Angela) Cantil.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Geraghty; sister, Judy "Doodle" Geraghty; daughter, Jennifer Bratten; father-in-law, Benjamin Cantil; brother-in-law, James Cantil; and her beloved Malamute, Totat.
A celebration of Jeannine's life will be held in early summer 2026 for all family and friends.
Jeannine's gentle heart, quiet strength, and boundless love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
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